Sky Pilots Ouray Backyard Ultra

Event overview

The Sky Pilots Ouray Backyard Ultra is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Fellin Park, Ouray, Colorado. The event follows the Backyard Ultra format: participants run a loop of 4.167 miles each hour. If a runner completes the loop in less than one hour they may start the next loop. The event continues hour after hour until only one runner remains; that runner must complete one more successful loop than anyone else to secure the win.

Course

The event uses an easy out-and-back course with about 140 feet of vertical change (approximately 1.3% average grade) at an altitude near 7,700 feet. Surface breakdown per lap:

• 0.50 mile asphalt running track
• 0.75 mile smooth dirt roads
• 2.9 miles Uncompahgre River Walk gravel footpath

The lap route passes a gazebo and ballfield in Fellin Park, crosses multiple small bridges, runs along Oak Street for about 0.30 miles, and reaches a turnaround point at the falls before retracing back to the start.

Logistics and amenities

A shared aid station will offer snacks, hot and cold drinks, and scheduled hot meals. Each runner receives an assigned 8 ft by 8 ft personal station; limited space is available under 20 x 40 ft commercial canopies. Overnight parking is permitted in the lot south of the start. The South Restroom is near the start/finish; the North Restroom is on the River Walk at about the 1.5 and 2.7 mile marks.

Awards and history

Awards commemorate a historic crossing of Marshall Pass. The original narrow gauge rail of the Durango and Rio Grande reached the continental divide in 1881; a spur to Ouray, now Oak Street, was added in 1887. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.